Cardinals Spring Standout Should Go From NRI to Roster Spot

27-year-old slugger Nelson Velázquez has made a strong case to make the Cardinals' Opening Day roster.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 12:51pm

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The St. Louis Cardinals signed 27-year-old slugger Nelson Velázquez to a minor league deal in the offseason, and he has been a standout performer in spring training, slashing .333/.436/.727 with four home runs and nine RBIs in 12 games. With the Cardinals' outfield situation uncertain heading into Opening Day, Velázquez has done enough to earn a spot on the big league roster.

Why it matters

The Cardinals were looking to add a right-handed power bat to their outfield this offseason, and Velázquez has emerged as a strong candidate to fill that role. His impressive spring performance could earn him a roster spot and an opportunity to contribute at the major league level.

The details

Velázquez has 194 games of big league experience under his belt and has hit 31 home runs in his career. While he doesn't have a lot of MLB experience, he has shown his power potential in spring training, and the Cardinals' outfield situation is somewhat unsettled heading into the season with Lars Nootbaar's status for Opening Day uncertain.

  • Velázquez signed a minor league deal with the Cardinals in January 2026.
  • He has played in 12 games in spring training so far, slashing .333/.436/.727 with four home runs and nine RBIs.
  • Opening Day is less than two weeks away.

The players

Nelson Velázquez

A 27-year-old slugger who the Cardinals signed to a minor league deal in the offseason. He has impressed in spring training and is making a strong case to make the team's Opening Day roster.

Chaim Bloom

The Cardinals' president of baseball operations, who said the team was looking to add a right-handed power bat to their outfield this offseason.

Lars Nootbaar

A Cardinals outfielder whose status for Opening Day is uncertain, leaving left field open for competition.

Thomas Saggese

A Cardinals prospect who is expected to be in the mix for the left field job, but is currently away with Team Italy for the World Baseball Classic.

José Fermín

Another Cardinals player who has gotten looks in camp for the left field job.

Nathan Church

A Cardinals player who should also be in consideration for the left field job.

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What they’re saying

“Throughout the offseason, Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom said multiple times that the organization was looking for a righty slugger for the outfield.”

— Chaim Bloom, Cardinals president of baseball operations

What’s next

Opening Day is less than two weeks away, and the Cardinals will need to make a decision on whether to add Velázquez to the roster or keep him in the minors.

The takeaway

Velázquez's impressive spring performance has put him in a strong position to earn a spot on the Cardinals' Opening Day roster, as the team looks to add a right-handed power bat to their outfield mix. His emergence could provide a boost to the Cardinals' offense as they prepare for the start of the season.